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The Best Stuffed Shells Recipe

The Best Stuffed Shells Recipe
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A comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender jumbo pasta shells stuffed with a creamy, cheesy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, baked in a savory marinara sauce. Perfect for an easy, versatile, and crowd-pleasing dinner that can be made ahead and customized to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz jumbo pasta shells

Cheese Filling

  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Sauce

  • 3 cups marinara sauce

Optional Variations

  • Cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken (for meat version)
  • Chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers (for vegetarian version)
  • Tofu or cashew-based cheese and vegan mozzarella (for vegan version)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for spicy kick)
  • Fresh rosemary, oregano, or thyme (for herbed variation)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta Shells: Boil the jumbo pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil and parsley, and the beaten egg. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, well-seasoned filling.
  3. Stuff the Shells: Using a spoon, carefully fill each cooked shell with the cheese mixture. Ensure each shell is generously stuffed but not overfilled to avoid spilling during baking.
  4. Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a single layer over the sauce. Spoon remaining marinara sauce evenly over the shells and sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta shells; they should be slightly firm as they’ll cook further in the oven.
  • Drain fresh or frozen spinach well to avoid watery filling.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano for best flavor.
  • Layer marinara sauce generously to keep shells moist during baking.
  • Cover with foil while baking to lock in moisture, then uncover at the end for a golden cheese topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed shells, cheesy pasta, baked pasta, ricotta filling, Italian-American dinner, comfort food, baked stuffed shells, easy weeknight meal, make ahead meal

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/the-best-stuffed-shells-recipe/